Self drive in Iceland

Taking to the open road on your own is a great way to see Iceland – there’s so much to see, do and enjoy. You may want to mix and match your driving with some guided trips to benefit from hearing about your holiday destination from an Icelander, or perhaps you don’t need a car for the whole journey, or maybe you need to fly to one of Iceland’s domestic airports. If you’re planning a summer trip maybe you are considering staying at a campsite. Quite a bit to consider, so why not send us a few details about your plans and ideas and let us take the uncertainty out of your holiday? You can contact us here or if you have more of a plan in mind, you can use this link here.

What can you expect from a self drive holiday? Mainly, it’s the freedom to stop and linger when you wish without much in the way of time constraints. Iceland’s ring road is easy to follow and there are numerous places to turn off, park up and hike or stroll. With the correct vehicle the more remote areas are accessible, and for a summer adventure, driving in the Highlands is a wonderful journey to undertake. Travelling far from civilisation is not compulsory though, and within a short distance of Reykjavik or Akureyri, there are delights waiting to be found and the summer driving is generally straightforward.

We are always asked what we recommend, and that’s a difficult question to answer without some idea of what’s required! For a summer holiday with a car but without constant travelling we’d suggest arranging a location for you to stay that has places or interest to you nearby, and if self catering, a farm shop or store nearby. Families often enjoy some time in Reykjavik and then a country cottage or summerhouse with easy access to a geothermal pool and perhaps the opportunity to camp too. Driving around all or part of Iceland is a wonderful experience, and one that we’d like to think is not all spent behind the wheel. Knowing your interests and the distances and terrain involved helps us to create an itinerary that works. If touring is your thing, then we’ll be delighted to set that up. For a specific interest, perhaps spotting birds or photography, or to pursue particular sports or activities we’ll build in the extra time at or between your overnight stays. We’ll make sure that you are in the right place at the right time for that all important whale watching trip

If you’re flexible about your itinerary and ready to follow the changes to local weather and road conditions, then a winter trip is also a great experience, and often a trip at this time of year that combines a mix of self drive and guided tours is the best way to see as much of Iceland as you can. Taking a flight also offers a wonderful opportunity to see and cross contrasting Icelandic landscapes. We have a range of self drive routes and itineraries that cover all areas of Iceland, from 2-3 days upwards, and which include accommodation from camping and hostels upwards. in almost every case, the holiday we end up with for a customer will be bespoke and matched to their chosen dates, must-see places and must-do activities and of course within their budget. If you are not sure what will work best for you, then please ask us, we are flexible and can-do and will be able to suggest a range of options.

The tour you booked for us was great. We were really lucky to have only four of us (me and Pip, plus two Australian ladies) on the minibus so it was practically a private tour. Great guide, interesting stops, and nice places to stay. Overall, it was a completely stunning and awe inspiring trip. Such a beautiful country and I'm still very excited to have seen puffins on the tour!

Best activity? Snowmobile, amazing scenery. Highlight? All of it!

Hi, as Iceland virgins we will be guided by you, it just seems an interesting place to spend midsummer night. I’ve always wanted to go there for the lagoons,.

Hi, as Iceland virgins we will be guided by you, it just seems an interesting place to spend midsummer night. I’ve always wanted to go there for the lagoons,. spas, geysers, whatever’. Now that he is back, what was his favourite activity? ‘Snowmobile, amazing scenery’. Highlight of the holiday? ‘All of it!’

Both guides were very knowledgeable

It was a lovely trip and being with our family made it extra special. The bird cliffs at Latrabjarg on the Westfjords were amazing, we were very lucky with the weather!

It was a lovely trip and being with our family made it extra special. The bird cliffs at Latrabjarg on the Westfjords were amazing, we were very lucky with the weather! Food was good everywhere, and Hotel Husafell was our favourite accommodation.

The snow made the scenery amazing ...

We had a great time despite the weather. In fact that added to it in some ways, and we got to see most of the things we wished to see.

We had a great time despite the weather. In fact that added to it in some ways, and we got to see most of the things we wished to see.
We will have to visit the South Coast another time ..... The snow made the scenery amazing but we would both like to see Iceland in colour another time rather than black and white (lava and snow).

Thank you so much for all your help - especially given the last minute nature of our trip

It was fantastic thank you! We'll definitely be going again and recommending it (and you!) to all our friends.
We went northern lights hunting on the Tuesday night - Eric was fabulous.

Thank you so much for all your help - especially given the last minute nature of our trip

Marcelle (UK)
February 20, 2017

It was fantastic thank you! We'll definitely be going again and recommending it (and you!) to all our friends.
We went northern lights hunting on the Tuesday night - Eric was fabulous. He properly 'hunted' and we went completely off the beaten track- and got some hot chocolate and rum to keep us warm. We were rewarded with an amazing view of the Northern Lights- definitely worth booking a private tour as those on the group tour weren't so lucky.
Thank you so much for all your help - especially given the last minute nature of our trip. Dave had a really great birthday.

Memorable trip for all ages

Excellent itinerary, packing in a wide variety of different venues and experiences and making allowances as necessary for the less mobile members of our party.

The planning was excellent. I asked for a tour package with food as its focus and Iceland Traveller did not disappoint. Their recommendations were wonderful. I especially loved the picnic by the waterfall and being able to sample 8 different kinds of locally brewed beer for tea time! Amazing memories.

We had the most amazing week in Iceland ..

We had the most amazing week in Iceland and I cannot thank you enough… you made my role on this trip very easy as everything was so impeccably organised for us.

We had a wonderful time and can heartily recommend Iceland and Iceland Traveller

Paul (UK)
February 1, 2016

As Iceland novices, we relied on Julia to put together a four-day package and itinerary for February based on our vaguely expressed preferences. She didn’t disappoint. There was just the correct mix of travel, sightseeing, fabulous accommodation and great dining. Couldn’t ask for more. The trip went like clockwork, from being greeted at the airport and taken to the Blue Lagoon, to the hire car delivered to our hotel in Reykjavík, to the restaurant bookings, to the glacier walk … etc. We had a wonderful time and can heartily recommend Iceland and Iceland Traveller. We will definitely be back for more.

A trip of a lifetime!

Prior to going, I felt confident about our holiday into the unknown as you were so confident yourself and full of so much information, tips etc.

Prior to going, I felt confident about our holiday into the unknown as you were so confident yourself and full of so much information, tips etc. Nothing was too much trouble. Once we were there we had such a brilliant time doing really different activities we’d never tried before and seeing such interesting geographical features in stunning surroundings. The sunrises and sunsets are beautiful.

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